| Astaxantin - Mechanism of action |
 · Astaxanthin, as other carotenoids, can act as a quencher of singlet oxygen and other free radicals by absorbing the excited energy of singlet oxygen onto the polyene electron-rich chain, resulting first in the excitation of the carotenoid to a triplet state, and then in the dissipation of the extra energy in the form of heat by relaxation back to the ground state. In this way, it prevents cellular components or tissues from being damaged. The carotenoid structure remains unchanged, and ready to act as a radical quencher. · Astaxanthin can act also as chain-breaking anti-oxidant, and therefore protect lipid-rich cell membranes from degradative oxidation via formation of lipid hydroperoxides. · Natural astaxanthin is a dietary supplement with extremely powerful antioxidant benefits for human applications. · Astaxanthin traps more free radicals than any other antioxidant. · Astaxanthin has been proven to cross the human blood <> brain barrier, and therefore has the ability to directly act as a superb antioxidant in the brain and the eyes. · As a result of having a hydrophobic, or “oil-loving” polyene chain on the one hand and a “water-loving” keto-hydroxyl-substituted ionone ring on the other, astaxanthin is capable of spanning the cell membrane bilayer, thereby conferring antioxidant protection and strengthening the entire cell membrane, as suggested by Goto et al. · Astaxanthin enhances the action of other antioxidants like Vitamin E and C. · Astaxanthin protects nucleic acid components of DNA, avoiding mutations to genetic material due to oxidative stress. · Astaxanthin’s antioxidant properties, both as a quencher of singlet oxygen and a scavenger of free radicals; its ability to protect lipids from peroxidation; and its dramatic effect on avoiding DNA damage, have been clearly demonstrated. · In vitro studies under specific laboratory conditions
in several different and independent research groups have clearly
and unequivocally indicated that astaxanthin’s antioxidant
properties are superior by 10-500 times that of other commercial
carotenoids and that of Vitamin E. |